Controller for monitor

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of supporting a monitor and adjusting an inclination angle of the same and includes a monitor ward support member for supporting one surface of a monitor, a base ward support member for supporting a base surface, an upper connection member for connecting an upper side of the monitor ward support member and an upper side of the base ward support member, and a lower connection member for connecting a lower side of the monitor ward support member and a lower side of the base ward support member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor, and in particular to a monitor fixingapparatus which is capable of stably supporting and adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor.

BACKGROUND ART

As the use of a thin flat type display monitor such as a PDP (PlasmaDisplay Panel), a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor, etc. rises, athin flat panel type monitor has been fixed using a vertical stand ofwhich upper end is fixed at the back surface of the monitor, as comparedto a conventional method in which a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor issupported using a leg type stand fixed at a lower surface of themonitor.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional monitor support apparatus.As shown therein, a back surface of a monitor 110 is engaged with astand 120 and is positioned at a certain height from a floor. Here, thestand 120 includes a support 122 contacting with the floor, and a base124 vertically integral with the support 122. The monitor 110 ishinge-engaged (132) with the base 124 of the stand 120 using an engagingdevice 130. With the above construction, the monitor 110 is inclined ata certain angle θ with respect to a vertical surface.

A certain friction force is applied to the hinge 132 in order to stablymaintain an inclination angle θ. This method is capable of preventingthe monitor 110 from being tilted downwards due to gravity force, butwhen it is needed to change an inclination angle, a certain forceexceeding a stop friction force should be applied, so that tilting themonitor using hands is difficult.

In order to overcome the above problems, a reverse direction torque isgenerated using a spring, so that the generated torque is balanced withgravity force. Here, the spring is additionally used, the constructiongets complicated. In the case that the size of torque changes, abalancing operation may be difficult. When it is needed to use themonitor tilted in a horizontal state, since the spring continuouslyoperates, the monitor automatically rises and returns to a verticalstate.

In the case of monitor support devices, they should be designed tosupport many monitors having different weights, so that the elasticforces of the springs adapted thereto should be differently determineddepending on the weights of the monitors. A certain spring having a highelastic force should be used in order to support a heavy displayapparatus such as PDP. In this case, it is impossible to change theangles with hands.

According to a conventional monitor support method, the weight center Gof the monitor 110 is sharply moved up based on the change of aninclination angle θ. In particular, in the case of the monitor 110 whichis used for a long time in an office, school, etc, the center height ofthe monitor 110 may largely change even when the inclination angle ofthe monitor 110 is slightly changed. When the center height of themonitor 110 largely changes, the user of the monitor may feel pain atneck or eyes.

There may be a certain method of overcoming the above problems byadditionally providing a height adjusting apparatus at the stand 120 andfurther adjusting the height after the inclination angle is adjusted.However, this method may give the user harder work. Since the weightcenter G of the monitor 110 is distanced from the hinge 132, with thehinge 132 being adapted to adjust the inclination angle of the monitor,the inclination angle may easily change due to the torque generated bythe weight of the monitor 110. In order to prevent the above problems, afriction force should be disadvantageously provided or a spring shouldbe additionally provided.

Therefore, a method and apparatus, which are capable of preventing theinclination and inclination angles of a monitor from being changed andcapable of changing the height of the center of the monitor at a minimumdegree even when the inclination angle of the monitor is changed, areurgently needed.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome theproblems encountered in the conventional art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor, which is capable ofstably supporting a monitor and easily changing an inclination angle ofthe monitor.

It is further another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor in which achange of an inclination angle of a monitor due to a weight of themonitor is minimized.

To achieve the above objects, there is provided an apparatus foradjusting an inclination angle of a monitor, comprising a monitor wardsupport member for supporting one side of a monitor; a base ward supportmember which is engaged and supported by a base surface; an upperconnection member which connects an upper side of the monitor connectionmember and an upper side of the base ward support member, with the upperconnection member being rotatable; and a lower connection member whichconnects a lower side of the monitor ward support member and a lowerside of the base ward support member, with the lower connection memberbeing rotatable.

A monitor ward line length corresponding to a straight line lengthbetween a point B and a point C, with the point B corresponding to aside surface center at which the monitor ward support member and theupper connection member are engaged, and with the point C correspondingto a side surface center at which the monitor ward support member andthe lower connection member are engaged, is shorter than a base wardline length corresponding to a straight line length between a point Eand a point D, with the point E corresponding to a side surface centerat which the base ward support member and the upper connection memberare engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side surface centerat which the base ward support member and the lower connection memberare engaged.

An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line lengthbetween a point B and a point E, with the point B corresponding to aside surface center at which the monitor ward support member and theupper connection member are engaged, and with the point E correspondingto a side surface center at which the base ward support member and theupper connection member are engaged, is the same as a lower side linelength corresponding to a straight line between a point C and a point D,with the point C corresponding to a side surface center at which themonitor ward support member and the lower connection member are engaged,and with the point D corresponding to a side surface center at which thebase ward support member and the lower connection member are engaged.

An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line lengthbetween a point B and a point E, with the point B corresponding to aside surface center at which the monitor ward support member and theupper connection member are engaged, is longer than a lower side linelength corresponding to a straight line length between a point C and apoint D, with the point C corresponding to a side surface center atwhich the monitor ward support member and the lower connection memberare engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side surface centerat which the base ward support member and the lower connection memberare engaged.

An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line lengthbetween a point B and a point E, with the point B corresponding to aside surface center at which the monitor ward support member and theupper connection member are engaged, is shorter than a lower side linelength corresponding to a straight line length between a point C and apoint D, with the point C corresponding to a side surface center atwhich the monitor ward support member and the lower connection memberare engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side surface centerat which the base ward support member and the lower connection memberare engaged.

The base surface, which supports the base ward support member, is a wallsurface or one surface of a stand member.

The base surface, which supports the base ward support member, is afloor.

The base ward support member has an elongated column shape.

The base ward support member and lower connection member include supportparts, which are extended downwards, respectively.

The monitor ward support member or the base ward support member includestwo elongated support parts, with the upper connection member or thelower connection member being engaged between the elongated supportparts of the monitor ward support member or the base ward supportmember.

The upper connection member or the lower connection member includes twoelongated support parts, with the monitor ward support member or thebase ward support member being engaged between the elongated supportparts of the upper connection member or the lower connection member.

The monitor ward end of the upper connection member or the lowerconnection member contacts with one surface of the monitor and ispressurized for thereby generating a certain friction force.

A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end of the upperconnection member or the lower connection member is formed at a portionat which the monitor contacts with the upper connection member or thelower connection member.

A monitor ward end of the upper connection member or the lowerconnection member contacts with the plate attached to one surface of themonitor and is pressurized for thereby generating a certain frictionforce.

A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end of the upperconnection member or the lower connection member is formed at a portionat which the plate contacts with the upper connection member or thelower connection member.

There are further provided a protrusion engaging part protrudedbackwards from one surface of the monitor; an elastic member whichpasses through the protrusion engaging part; and an engaging memberwhich is engaged with the protrusion engaging part and pressurizes theelastic member toward the monitor, whereby the monitor is engaged bypassing through the protrusion engaging part into the monitor wardsupport member.

There are further provided a plate which includes a protrusion engagingpart protruded backwards from one surface of the monitor; an elasticmember which passes through the protrusion engaging part; and anengaging member which is engaged with the protrusion engaging part andpressurizes the elastic member toward the plate, whereby the plate isengaged by passing through the protrusion engaging part into the monitorward support member.

There is further provided a rotation plate, which is provided in frontof the elastic member and passes through the protrusion engaging part.

A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end of the upperconnection member or the lower connection member is formed at a portionat which the rotation plate contacts with the upper connection member orthe lower connection member.

A rim of the monitor ward support member is formed in a circular or arcshape, with a ring being inserted onto the rim of the monitor wardsupport member and being engaged at one surface of the monitor.

There is further provided a plate, which is provided between the ringand one surface of the monitor, with the plate being engaged at onesurface of the monitor, and with the plate being engaged with the ring.

A guide pad is provided at an end contacting with the upper connectionmember or the lower connection member.

The guide pad is pressurized by an elastic member supported by themonitor, with the guide pad being pressurized toward the end of theupper connection member or the lower connection member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

The present invention will become better understood with reference tothe accompanying drawings which are given only by way of illustrationand thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a conventional apparatus foradjusting an inclination angle of a monitor;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a length ratio in the apparatusof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a graph of a weight center G expressed as an inclination angleθ of a monitor ward line BC and a horizontal distance V of FIG. 4 arechanged according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph expressed as a height of a weight center G is changedwith a variable of an inclination angle θ of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a graph expressed a height of a weight center G is changedwith a variable of an inclination angle θ in the case that an includedangle α of a base ward line ED of FIG. 4 is 30°;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are graphs illustrating the movements of aweight center G when the size of a triangle AED is changed in a statethat a triangle ABC is fixed in a similar isosceles triangle of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are graphs illustrating the movements of aweight center G when a vertical angle of an apex A is changed in a statethat a length ratio of lines AB and BE is fixed at 1:0.5 in a similarisosceles triangle of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 1OA and 10B are graphs illustrating a movement state of a weightcenter G in a rectangular hinge structure of another structure;

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a trajectory of a weight center G in thecase that a vertical distance u of a weight center G is not 0 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an inclinationangle of a monitor according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an inclinationangle of a monitor according to further another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are views illustrating various examples of anapparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor;

FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a constrictionthat an apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor isengaged according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side cross sectional view illustrating a state that eachelement is engaged in an apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle ofa monitor according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 17A and 17B are disassembled perspective views illustratinganother state that each element is engaged in an apparatus for adjustingan inclination angle of a monitor and a side cross sectional viewillustrating an engaged state of the apparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor according to the present invention. Asshown therein, a monitor 10 is attached at a base 24 at an upper side ofa support 22 of a stand 20 using a monitor inclination adjustingapparatus 30. With the above construction, an inclination angle θ of themonitor 10 can be adjusted.

A monitor ward support member 32 is a plate shaped member, with a backsurface of the monitor 10 being engaged at the monitor ward supportmember 32. A base ward support member 34 is a plate shaped memberattached to the base 24. An upper connection member 36 and a lowerconnection member 38 are engaged at the upper and lower sides of themonitor ward support member 32 and the base ward support member 34. Acertain engaging plate member (not shown) may be adapted between themonitor ward support member 32 and the monitor 10 for an easierattachment.

The both ends of each of the upper connection member 36 and the lowerconnection member 38 are hinged at the upper and lower ends of themonitor ward support member 32 and the base ward support member 34. Thecenter axis points of the hinged portions are indicated by B, C, D andE. Namely, the center point of the lateral side, in which the monitorward support member 32 and the upper connection member 36 are hinged, isindicated by the point B, and the center point of the lateral side, inwhich the monitor ward support member 32 and the lower connection member38 are hinged, is indicated by the point C, and the center point of thelateral side, in which the lower side engaging member 38 and the baseward support member 34 are hinged, is indicated by the point D, and thecenter point of the lateral side, in which the base ward support member34 and the upper connection member 38 are engaged, is indicated by thepoint E.

In the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30, the monitor wardsupport member 32, the base ward support member 34, and the upperconnection member 36 and the lower connection member are linked in arectangular shape. With the above construction, it is called arectangular hinge structure.

According to the structure in which four members are linked with eachother for supporting the monitor and adjusting the inclination, variousmovement characteristics can be obtained by adjusting the length andlength ratio of each member. Namely, a certain support function welladapted to each user can be implemented by properly amending the lengthof each member.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting aninclination angle of a monitor according to the present invention.Namely, FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a monitor inclination adjustingapparatus 30 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the line connecting thepoints B and C is called a monitor ward line, and the line connectingthe points C and D is called a lower side line. The line connecting thepoints D and E is called a base ward line. The line connecting thepoints E and B is called an upper side line.

In the drawings, the point G represents the weight center of themonitor, and a relative horizontal distance from the center point “a” ofthe monitor ward line BC is “v”, and a vertical distance from the sameis “u”. Here, the reference character α is an included angle between thebase ward line and the vertical line. A relative height value of theweight center G is “z”.

Variables, which meet different conditions, can be searched by settingeach variable in the drawings. For example, even when the inclinationangle θ of the monitor is changed, when it is needed to make the height“z” of the weight center of the monitor lower, a certain condition canbe searched by changing part of the monitor ward line, lower side line,base ward line or upper side line. The above condition searchingprocedure is called a characteristic condition determination of arectangular hinge structure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a length ratio of FIG. 3. Asshown therein, a certain method is disclosed in order to minimize themovement of the height of the weight center among the characteristics ofthe rectangular hinge structure. This method is called an isoscelestriangle chart method.

The isosceles triangle ABC consists of the points B and C with respectto the apex A. A similar shape isosceles triangle AED is formed byextending the lines AB and AC. As shown in FIG. 3, “α” is set “0”, andthe upper line BE and the lower line CD are made same. With the abovecondition, the position of the weight center G of the monitor is changedby increasing the inclination angle θ by 10°, 20°, 30°, etc. ordecreasing the same by −10°, −20°, −30°, etc. The above movements areshown in the graphs.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the changes of the weight center G inwhich the inclination angle of the monitor ward line BC of FIG. 4 ischanged with the horizontal distance “v” as a variable. As showntherein, the position of the weight center G of the monitor is changedby increasing the inclination angle θ by 10°, 20°, 30°, etc. ordecreasing the same by −10°, −20°, −30°, etc.

The vertical distance “u” is set 0, and the length of the line BC is set4, the length of the line ED is set 8, the height of the triangle ABC isset 5, and the height of the triangle AED is set 10. Since the movementcharacteristic is determined only based on the length ratio of eachline, the units are omitted.

In the case that the horizontal distance “v” is 4 (numbers indicated atthe sides of each trajectory represent horizontal distance), theposition of the weight center G is changed along the trajectory formedin a shape of “α” as the inclination angle θ is changed. In the casethat the horizontal distance “v” is 6, the loop drawn by the trajectoryof the weight center G gets small with a shape that a front side of theloop is thin, with the entire shape being longitudinal. When theinclination angle θ is 0, the dots are formed at the horizontal positionwith respect to the apex A. When the inclination angle θ is increased by10°, the dots are formed at the upper sides, and when the inclinationangle θ is decreased by 10°, the dots are formed at the lower side.

In the case that the horizontal distance “v” is 8, a cusp is drawn withrespect to the apex A of the triangle. A curve shaped trajectory, whichis similar with an inclined straight line I-I, is drawn at the upper andlower sides. When the horizontal distance “v” increases, exceeding 8,the inclination angle θ gets smoother at an angle of 0°. As it isdistanced from the angle 0°, a trajectory similar with a straight lineis drawn.

Namely, the portion, which has a certain movement similar with thestraight line among the trajectories of the weight center G when thehorizontal distance “v” is above 8, may be used for achieving a constantposition of the weight center G of the present invention. FIG. 6 is agraph when the movement of the weight center G is expressed with theinclination angle θ adapted as a variable.

FIG. 6 is a graph in which the changes of the height of the weightcenter of FIG. 5 are expressed with an inclination angle θ which isadapted as a variable. As shown therein, “z” represents the verticalheight of the weight center G, which is expressed with a reference point0 determined when the inclination angle θ is 0. In the graph, the numberindicated beside “z” represents the horizontal distance “v”.

The curves of the functions z, _(v), (θ) will be described. Theinclination is smooth in a section in which the inclination angle is−20° through +20°. When the horizontal distance “v” is 6, 7 or 8, theinclinations are small, and a changed range is less.

In the ranges of the inclination angle, and horizontal distance, sincethe height of the weight center does not change, the monitor is nottilted down only when there is less friction force, so that the monitorcan be stably fixed in place. More efficient effects can be obtained byadjusting the included angle α of the base ward line ED.

FIG. 7 is a graph in which the changes of the height of the weightcenter G are expressed with an inclination angle θ , which is adapted asa variable, in the case that the included angle α of the base ward lineED is 30°. As shown in FIG. 7, when the angle α is 30°, the movements ofthe function z′, _(v), (θ) are not changed between 30° and 100°.

Namely, the trajectories formed near the straight line I-I of FIG. 5 canbe horizontally inclined by adjusting the included angle α, so thatthere are no changes in the height of the weight center G. In the casethat the horizontal distance “v” is 6, the inclination angle θ isbetween 0° and 70°. In the case that the horizontal distance “v” is 8,the height “z” of the weight center G is constant between 25° and 105°.

Therefore, in the case that the base ward line is inclined at a certainangle, it is possible to more easily maintain the fixed weight centerheight of the monitor, so that the monitor can be prevented from beingtilted forwards, moving down and having a sharply changing height bychanging the angle of the base ward line. The operations that the aboveadvantages are obtained even when the rectangular hinge structure ischanged in various structures will be described.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are graphs of the movements of the weight centerG when the size of the triangle AED is changed in a state that thetriangle ABC is not changed in the similar isosceles triangle of FIG. 4.In a state that the angle α is set 0, FIG. 8A is a graph when the lengthratio of the lines AB and BE is 1:0.25, and FIG. 8B is a graph when thelength ratio of the same is 1:0.5, and FIG. 8C is a graph when thelength ratio of the same is 1:1, and FIG. 8D is a graph when the lengthratio of the same is 1:2.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, the trajectory of the weight centerG forms the apex A (v is 8). When the horizontal distance “v” is lessthan 8, a α-shaped curve is formed. When the horizontal distance “v” islarger than 8, a convex curve having an apex is formed. As the lengthratio of the line BE gets increased, the size of the loop increases, andthe apex gets sharp.

In the hinge structure, as the inclination angle θ increases, the angleCBE increases. When the angle CBE becomes 180°, the monitor or objectinstalled at the monitor ward line BC contacts with the point E. In thiscase, since it does not change the inclination angle θ anymore, therange of the angle θ is determined. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D,the inclination angle θ is limited within a range of 17°, 27°, 39°and50°, which angles are indicated as a small circle in the trajectory ofthe drawing. As the length ratios of the lines AB and BE increase, thelimiting range of the inclination angle θ increases.

In the case that the length ratio of the lines AB and BE increase, therange of the inclination angle is advantageously widened. Here, thelengths of the upper line and the lower line should be extended. Theconditions of the range of the inclination angle and the installationposition of the monitor may be properly selected based on a user'sdemand.

For example, in the apparatus for attaching a flat panel monitor, it isenough when the inclination angle is adjusted within a range of −10° to+10°. In the case that the monitor is installed near a wall, as shown inFIG. 8A, it is needed to decrease the length ratio of the lines AB andBE, and the horizontal distance “v” is set 6. In the case that it isneeded to adjust the monitor within a wider range of −50° to +50° (forexample, when the monitor is mounted on a ceiling), as shown in FIG. 8D,it is needed to increase the length ratio of the lines AB and BE, andthe horizontal distance “v” is set 8.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are graphs illustrating the movements of theweight center G when the apex angle of the apex A is changed in a statethat the length ratio of the lines AB and BE is set 1:0.5 in the similarisosceles triangle of FIG. 4. In FIG. 9A, the apex angle is 8.96°, andin FIG. 9B, the apex angle is 17.98°, and in FIG. 9C, the apex angle is6.42°, and in FIG. 9D, the apex angle is 77.36°.

As a result, the trajectories of the weight center G as shown in FIGS.9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are same. Namely, the movements are performed in thesame ways even though there are significant differences in therectangular structures each having four hinges. If the length ratio ofthe lines AB and BE changes, the above same phenomenon may occur.

The movements of the rectangular hinge structures change based on thevalues of the length ratio of the lines AB and BE, but do not changebased on the apex angle of the apex A. In the case that the rectangularhinge structure having the above characteristics is used, the user cansave time needed for designs and has many conveniences. As describedabove, the inclination angle θ is limited within a range of 42°, 33°,27° and 18° as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs illustrating the movements of the weightcenter G in a different rectangular hinge structure. As shown in FIG.10A, there is shown a graph illustrating the movements of the weightcenter G in a state that the lengths of the lines BE and CD are same,and the line ED is vertical. As shown in FIG. 10B, there is shown agraph illustrating the movements of the weight center G in a state thatthe lengths of the lines BE and CD are different, and the line ED isinclined at an inclination angle α with respect to the line ED.

As shown therein, in a range of the inclination angle from −30° to +30°,the orbit curves of FIG. 10B are very similar with the orbit curves whenthe rectangular hinge using the rectangular structure of FIG. 10A areinclined at an angle α.

In the case that the inclination angle θ is out of the range, as theabsolute value is increased, the orbit curves of FIG. 10B get similarwith the trajectories of the movements of the orbit curves. Since almostneeds are met in a range of −30° to +30° in an actual adaptation, it ispreferred to tile the line CD at a certain angle as shown in FIG. 10B.

For example, in the case that the horizontal distance “v” is 8 at thecurve of FIG. 10B, the inclination angle has a horizontal orbit in arange of −10° to +30°, and the inclination angle of the rangecorresponds to the inclination angle which is most common when using theflat panel monitor. As shown in FIG. 6, the changes of “z” may beexpressed like z′, ₈, (θ) in accordance with the conditions of therectangular hinge structure. The height is constant in a state that theinclination angle θ is in a range of −10° to +30°.

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the trajectories of the weight center Gwhen the vertical distance “u” of the weight center G of FIG. 4 is not0. As shown therein, the position of the line BC decreases by 10° withrespect to the position 5 (in which the inclination angle θ is 0°). Inaddition, the position of the same is inclined towards the positions 4,3, 2, and 1 or increases by 10°. When the position of the same isinclined toward the positions 6, 7, 8 and 9, the trajectories drawnalong the horizontal distance “v” are expressed by numbers correspondingto each position.

For example, in the case that the vertical distance “u” is 4, the weightcenter G point moves as shown in FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 11, thecurve having the horizontal distance “v” of 8 advantageously has a widerrange for maintaining more horizontal states as compared to thetrajectories. The apparatus of FIG. 10B is installed, with the line DEbeing inclined at a certain angle. As shown in FIG. 11, it isadvantageously possible to make the line DE vertical. As describedabove, the rectangular hinge apparatus is constituted using an isoscelestriangle. With the above construction, an inclination angle adjustingapparatus, which operates with many different movements, may beconstituted by adjusting length ratio, inclination angle, includedangle, horizontal length, vertical length, etc.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an inclinationfor a monitor according to another embodiment of the present invention.As shown therein, the upper connection member 36 and the lowerconnection member 38 engaged at the monitor ward support member 32 arelongitudinally extended, and the base ward support member 34 iscontacted with the base surface of the floor.

The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 arepreferably bent at intermediate portions so that they don't contact withthe monitor 10. A thin panel shaped support 34 a is preferably attachedto a lower surface of the base ward support member 34.

The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 areextended, and the base ward support member 34 is contacted with thefloor base surface, so that the monitor 10 can move in a big anglerange. When pulling the monitor 10, the upper connection member 36 andthe upper connection member 38 move down along an arc line, so that theinclination angle of the monitor can increase.

When pulling the monitor 10 forwards, the monitor 10 lies down. In thiscase, the monitor 10 can be used in a digital note mode. When themonitor 10 has a touch screen, it can be more efficiently used in thedigital note mode.

The flat panel monitor, which has recently been developed, has a digitalnote function using the touch screen. It is needed to develop themonitor having both a viewing function and a digital note function. Inthe viewing mode, the monitor preferably has an inclination angle in arange of −5° to +45° and is installed away from a user at a certainhigher height “z”. In the digital note mode, the monitor preferably hasan inclination angle in a range of +45° to +90° and is installed notaway from a user at a certain lower height “z”.

Since the conventional monitor fixing apparatus is independentlyadjusted because the inclination angle and the position of the weightcenter do not cooperatively operate, it is needed to disadvantageouslyadjust various conditions whenever the user selects the digital notemode or the viewing mode. The conventional monitor fixing apparatus witha ball mount cannot support a large weight, so that the position may beeasily moved when a certain weight is applied to the monitor in thedigital note mode.

However, in the case that the monitor is changed into the digital nodemode or the viewing mode using the rectangular hinge structure accordingto the present invention, various conditions may be adjusted at onetime, so that easier and quicker mode conversions are achieved. Inaddition, even when a certain weight generated during the use of thedigital note is applied, each support member can fully support theweight, so that the positions cannot easily change.

As shown in FIG. 12, the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30includes an extended support 34 a, so that the monitor inclinationadjusting apparatus 30 does not fall down in the digital note mode. Thesupport 34 a does not have an important role in the viewing mode of themonitor. As shown in FIG. 13, even when the support 34 a may be removed,the same functions are performed.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the monitor inclination adjustingapparatus according to further another embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower connection member 38 and thebase ward support member 34 are crossed downwards, and the support parts38 a and 34 b of the lower side support the floor base surface.

The principles of the rectangular hinge structure are adapted in thesame manner. Namely, the support parts 38 a and 34 b of the lowerconnection member 38 and the base ward support member 34 are crosseddownwards, so that the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30 can bestably supported.

Here, a friction force between the support part 38 a of the lowerconnection member 38 and the floor surface is adjusted larger than thefriction force between the support part 34 b of the base ward supportmember 34 and the floor surface, so that only the support part 34 b ofthe base ward support member 34 of the front side is moved in a statethat the support part 38 a of the lower connection member 38 of the backsurface is fixed. A rubber member may be covered on the support part 38a of the lower connection member 38 of the bask surface or wheels may beinstalled at the support part 34 b of the base ward support member 34.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are views illustrating various constructions ofthe monitor inclination adjusting apparatus according to the presentinvention. As shown therein, various constructions may be adapted inorder to constitute the rectangular hinge apparatus.

FIG. 14A is a view illustrating a monitor inclination adjustingapparatus 30 in which the monitor ward support member 32 includes twoparallel elongated support parts 32 a, and the base ward support member34 includes two parallel elongated support parts 34 c. The upperconnection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 are insertedbetween the elongated support parts 32 a and 34 c of the monitor wardsupport member 32 and the base ward support member 34.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the upper connection member 36 and the lowerconnection member 38 include two parallel elongated support parts 36 aand 38 a, respectively. The monitor ward support member 32 and the baseward support member 34 are inserted into the same.

As shown in FIG. 14C, the monitor ward support member 32 and the baseward support member 34 are arranged in a Y-shape, and the upperconnection member 36 is inserted into the upper side, and two elongatedsupport parts 38 a are inserted into the lower side.

FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating theconstructions of the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus accordingto the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a lateral cross sectional viewillustrating an engaged state of each element according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the plate 40, which engages themonitor (not shown), includes a protrusion engaging part 42 at thecenter of the back surface, and the protrusion engaging part 42 isengaged, passing through the monitor ward support member 32 of themonitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30.

The protrusion engaging part 42, which passes through the monitor wardsupport member 32, is engaged using a bolt 62 through an elastic member60. Here, the elastic member 60 is preferably formed of a plate spring,with the elastic member 60 being adapted to pull the protrusion engagingpart 42, so that the plate 40 and the monitor ward support member 32 getcloser from each other.

The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 areengaged at the lateral side of the monitor ward support member 32. Theends of the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member38 are extended a little and are protruded toward the plate 40. Theplate 40 and the monitor ward support member 32 get closer from eachother using the elastic member 60, so that the back surface of the plate40 contacts with the ends of the upper connection member 36 and thelower connection member 38.

The ends, which contact with the back surface of the plate 40, of theupper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 do noteasily move due to friction force. When the elastic member 60 pulls theplate 40 as the bolt 62 is tightened, with the bolt 62 being adapted totighten the elastic member 60, the upper connection member 36 and thelower connection member 36 do not rotate, so that the plate 40 isprevented from being naturally tilted forwards or being fallendownwards,

The rotation plate 50 is further provided between the plate 40 and themonitor ward support member 32, so that the plate 40 can be moresmoothly rotated. A back surface groove 52 may be formed at a backsurface of the rotation plate 50, with the back surface groove 52corresponding with the shapes of the ends of the upper connection member36 and the lower connection member 38. Here, it is preferred that theback surface groove 52 of the rotation plate 60 contacts with the endsof the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 atwider surfaces. Here, the back surface groove 52 may be formed at theback surface of the plate 40 in a state that the rotation plate 50 isnot provided.

FIG. 17A is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a monitorinclination adjusting apparatus according to still further anotherembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a side crosssectional view illustrating an engaged state of the present invention.As shown therein, the plate 40 is engaged at the monitor ward supportmember 32 having a circular or arc shaped rim, and a ring 80 is insertedthereinto. Here, the plate 40 is engaged at the monitor inclinationadjusting apparatus 30 and is rotatable. The ring 80 rotates along therim of the monitor ward support member 32.

The ring 80 and the plate 40 are engaged using a bolt, etc. A pad 70 isprovided at an inner side of the ring 80 and contacts with the upperconnection member 36 and the lower connection member 38, respectively.An elastic member 60 is inserted between the outer end of the guide pad70 and the plate 40.

Here, the elastic member 60 is a plate spring capable of transferring anelastic force in a direction that the plate 40 pushes the guide pad 30in an opposite direction, so that the guide pad 70 is pushed in adirection of the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30, and theends of the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member38 are pressurized. A friction force inhibits the pressurized upperconnection member 36 and lower connection member 38 from rotating, withthe upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 beingfixed in place.

Here, the ring 80 and the monitor ward support member 32 closely contactat a certain inclination angle. Adjusting the direction of theinclination allows the ring 80 and the plate 40 to become closer withthe monitor ward support member 32, so that with one element of theelastic member 60, it is possible to tighten each element.

The plate spring may be installed at the base ward support member 34 orat both sides. Here, the upper connection member 36 is moved along adownward curve, and the lower connection member 38 is moved along anupward curve, so that it does not contact with the tapered inner surfaceof the ring 80. In the case that the upper connection member 36 and thelower connection member 38 are moved along straight lines, the upperconnection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 contact with theinner side of the ring 80, so that there is a certain limit in themovements of the upper and lower connection members 36 and 38.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the monitor inclination angle adjusting apparatusaccording to the present invention is able to stably support themonitor, with the inclination angle of the monitor being easilyadjusted.

Changing the inclination angle of the monitor due to the weight of themonitor is minimized in the present invention.

The present invention is directed to minimizing the changes of theheight of the weight center of the monitor even when the inclinationangle changes.

In the present invention, the monitor is designed to be rotatable. Themonitor is stably supported without movements.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, itshould also be understood that the above-described examples are notlimited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unlessotherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within itsspirit and scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore allchanges and modifications that fall within the meets and bounds of theclaims, or equivalences of such meets and bounds are therefore intendedto be embraced by the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor,comprising: a monitor ward support member for supporting one side of amonitor; a base ward support member which is engaged and supported by abase surface; an upper connection member which connects an upper side ofthe monitor connection member and an upper side of the base ward supportmember, with the upper connection member being rotatable; and a lowerconnection member which connects a lower side of the monitor wardsupport member and a lower side of the base ward support member, withthe lower connection member being rotatable.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein a monitor ward line length corresponding to a straight linelength between a point B and a point C, with the point B correspondingto a side surface center at which the monitor ward support member andthe upper connection member are engaged, and with the point Ccorresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward supportmember and the lower connection member are engaged, is shorter than abase ward line length corresponding to a straight line length between apoint E and a point D, with the point E corresponding to a side surfacecenter at which the base ward support member and the upper connectionmember are engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side surfacecenter at which the base ward support member and the lower connectionmember are engaged.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper sideline length corresponding to a straight line length between a point Band a point E, with the point B corresponding to a side surface centerat which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection memberare engaged, and with the point E corresponding to a side surface centerat which the base ward support member and the upper connection memberare engaged, is the same as a lower side line length corresponding to astraight line between a point C and a point D, with the point Ccorresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward supportmember and the lower connection member are engaged, and with the point Dcorresponding to a side surface center at which the base ward supportmember and the lower connection member are engaged.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein an upper side line length corresponding to a straightline length between a point B and a point E, with the point Bcorresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward supportmember and the upper connection member are engaged, is longer than alower side line length corresponding to a straight line length between apoint C and a point D, with the point C corresponding to a side surfacecenter at which the monitor ward support member and the lower connectionmember are engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side surfacecenter at which the base ward support member and the lower connectionmember are engaged.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper sideline length corresponding to a straight line length between a point Band a point E, with the point B corresponding to a side surface centerat which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection memberare engaged, is shorter than a lower side line length corresponding to astraight line length between a point C and a point D, with the point Ccorresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward supportmember and the lower connection member are engaged, and with the point Dcorresponding to a side surface center at which the base ward supportmember and the lower connection member are engaged.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said base surface, which supports the base ward supportmember, is a wall surface or one surface of a stand member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said base surface, which supports the baseward support member, is a floor.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinsaid base ward support member has an elongated column shape.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said base ward support member and lowerconnection member include support parts, which are extended downwards,respectively.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said monitor wardsupport member or said base ward support member includes two elongatedsupport parts, with the upper connection member or the lower connectionmember being engaged between the elongated support parts of the monitorward support member or the base ward support member.
 11. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said upper connection member or said lowerconnection member includes two elongated support parts, with the monitorward support member or the base ward support member being engagedbetween the elongated support parts of the upper connection member orthe lower connection member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein themonitor ward end of the upper connection member or the lower connectionmember contacts with one surface of the monitor and is pressurized forthereby generating a certain friction force.
 13. The apparatus of claim11, wherein a back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an endof the upper connection member or the lower connection member is formedat a portion at which the monitor contacts with the upper connectionmember or the lower connection member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a monitor ward end of the upper connection member or the lowerconnection member contacts with the plate attached to one surface of themonitor and is pressurized for thereby generating a certain frictionforce.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a back surface groovecorresponding to the shape of an end of the upper connection member orthe lower connection member is formed at a portion at which the platecontacts with the upper connection member or the lower connectionmember.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a protrusionengaging part protruded backwards from one surface of the monitor; anelastic member which passes through the protrusion engaging part; and anengaging member which is engaged with the protrusion engaging part andpressurizes the elastic member toward the monitor, whereby the monitoris engaged by passing through the protrusion engaging part into themonitor ward support member.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plate which includes a protrusion engaging part protrudedbackwards from one surface of the monitor; an elastic member whichpasses through the protrusion engaging part; and an engaging memberwhich is engaged with the protrusion engaging part and pressurizes theelastic member toward the plate, whereby the plate is engaged by passingthrough the protrusion engaging part into the monitor ward supportmember.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a rotationplate, which is provided in front of the elastic member and passesthrough the protrusion engaging part.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein a back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end ofthe upper connection member or the lower connection member is formed ata portion at which the rotation plate contacts with the upper connectionmember or the lower connection member.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein a rim of the monitor ward support member is formed in a circularor arc shape, with a ring being inserted onto the rim of the monitorward support member and being engaged at one surface of the monitor. 21.The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a plate which is providedbetween the ring and one surface of the monitor, with the plate beingengaged at one surface of the monitor, and with the plate being engagedwith the ring.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a guide pad isprovided at an end contacting with the upper connection member or thelower connection member.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein saidguide pad is pressurized by an elastic member supported by the monitor,with the guide pad being pressurized toward the end of the upperconnection member or the lower connection member.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 17, further comprising a rotation plate, which is provided infront of the elastic member and passes through the protrusion engagingpart.